Inglewood’s Derrick Woods helped his team turn their season around and make the playoffs. He has been rewarded by being selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Photo by Ken Brooks

Eight hours before the football team performed the final act of its dramatic season, Inglewood High hosted a ceremony for quarterback Derrick Woods.

Woods will play in the prestigious U.S. Army All-American Bowl on January 7, 2012 in the Alamodome in San Antonio Texas. The wide receiver/safety turn quarterback has been the centerpiece of the Inglewood’s turnaround.

Coach Steven Thomas shared a compelling story about a journey describing a teary eyed freshman who sat in the audience at a previous ceremony. It was Woods who was emotionally watching current UCLA wide receiver Shaquille Evans, who was honored by the U.S. Army on the Inglewood stage in 2008.

Woods himself then committed to become an Army All-American, and voila. He was presented with his number 12 jersey by Sergeant First Class Eric T. Loyd. Thomas used the anecdote as inspiration for up and coming underclassmen to set big goals.

Later during senior night, Woods’s 99-yard kick off return ignited a 33 point second half for Inglewood, who finished off the season and Morningside 40-16. They have outscored their last four opponents 155-26 and earned a visit to West Hills Chaminade in the Western Division playoffs. Woods is considering college opportunities at USC, Oklahoma, Arizona, and Arizona State.